Use of Tele Dentistry in Orthodontic Patients During the Covid Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: This study was aimed to assess the impact of tele dentistry on bracket breakage and orthodontic plaque index during the covid pandemic. Study Design: An experimental study. Place and Duration of Study : The study was conducted from 1st April 2020 to 1st March 2021 in the orthodontic department of Rawal Institute of Health Sciences Islamabad. Materials and Methods: Seventy-six orthodontic patients were selected from the orthodontic department of Rawal institute of Health Sciences. Each patient had a minimum orthodontic plaque index of 1 and experienced at least four bracket breakages. The treating doctor provided counseling and communicated with the patients via WhatsApp messages, offering them the opportunity to reach out at any time with questions. After a period of three months, the patients were reassessed clinically. A paired sample t-test was applied to evaluate the pre and post counseling values pertaining to bracket breakage and the orthodontic plaque index. Results: The findings revealed that by using tele dentistry incidence of bracket breakage reduced from 20% to 5% in most of the study participants. Similarly mean plaque index was reduced from 1.78 to 0.53 after online counselling session and WhatsApp messages over a period of three months. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of tele dentistry not only to enhance access to oral healthcare and its delivery but also to reduce bracket breakage incidents and promote superior oral hygiene in orthodontic patients

Keywords

• bracket
• covid 19
• plaque index
• tele dentistry.